Getting a new puppy is exciting, but it can also be a bit stressful if you do not learn how to care for a new family member. Training a puppy is important for many reasons.
A study by the University of Bristol found that dogs receiving obedience training are likely to be well-behaved in public.
Starting obedience training early is one of the best ways to ensure your dog is well-behaved. This is because young dogs are more open to learning.
Benefits of Obedience Training:
There are many reasons why training your puppy is a good idea:
- Living with a well-behaved dog is more fun.
- Training a dog can help stop bad habits like chewing, barking, and jumping.
- If you train your dog well, then your dog is less likely to run away or get into trouble.
- Training your dog can help you become closer.
When to Start Obedience Training for Puppy:
The best time to start obedience training is when your puppy is between 8 and 12 weeks old. At this age, they are more open to new ideas and learn new things.
There are a lot of different ways to start obedience training. You can hire a professional dog trainer or teach your puppy independently. If you want to train your puppy yourself, read our article “Basic Obedience Training.”
About 70% of dog owners, according to the American Kennel Club, start training their pups at home.
Cost of Puppy Training:
- Most group training classes cost between $50 and $100 per class, or $200 to $500 for a program that lasts more than a week.
- The cost of teaching a puppy to training can change based on location, length of the program, training methods, and the experience of the trainer.
- Private sessions are generally more expensive, costing between $75 and $150 per hour.
Basic Obedience Commands:
Some of the basic commands that you should teach your puppy include:
- Sit
- Stay
- Come
- Down
- Leave it
- Stop
Methods to Train Puppy Well:
There are different ways to teach how to behave well in all situations;
Positive reinforcement:
Reward your puppy for good behavior. You can do this with treats, compliments, or play.
Clicker training:
With this method, you use a small device called a “clicker” to mark when your puppy does something you want it to do. Your dog will learn that the click means a treat when it hears it.
Crate training:
It includes using a crate or kennel as a safe and comfortable place for the puppy. This helps the puppy learn to go to the bathroom outside and gives them a safe place to be when needed.
Socialization:
This method focuses on exposing the puppy to different people, animals, and surroundings from a young age to help them build confidence, get over their fears, and learn how to act around other people.
Leash training:
Teaches a puppy how to walk nicely on a leash without pulling. This is done with positive reinforcement and methods for handling a leash.
Tips for Obedience Training:
Here are some tips for obedience training your puppy:
Be consistent:
Use the exact directions each time, and consistently reward your puppy for being good.
Be patient:
To train a puppy, you need time and care. Keep going with your puppy if it doesn’t immediately pick up an order.
Be Positive:
Use treats and praise, among other things, to thank your puppy for good behavior.
Make it fun:
Training your puppy should be fun for both of you. Your pup is more likely to learn if it is having fun.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
People often make a few mistakes when teaching their puppies to training. Here are some ways to prevent making these errors:
Don’t punish your dog for being wrong:
When you punish your dog, it may become scared and less likely to learn.
Don’t scream at your dog:
Dogs can be scared and confused when you yell at them.
Do not give up:
Training a dog takes time and care. Keep going if your puppy isn’t learning as quickly as you’d like.
Conclusion::
Puppy training is an investment in your dog’s future as a well-behaved, joyful family member. Obedience training for puppies is a crucial element as a pet owner. You and your pet can form a close bond while your pup learns the basics of obedience. There are several places you can look for guidance if you feel like you need help.
It can help keep your dog safe while making your life easier and more pleasurable. Consider the time and effort needed for obedience training if you’re considering getting a puppy. It’s a smart move that will yield benefits down the road.
